Doha, Qatar - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), in collaboration with Doha Forum, is pleased to announce that Ms. Malebona Precious Matsoso, Director General of the National Department of Health of South Africa, has been awarded the Doha Best Negotiator of the Year 2025.
The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership in negotiation, resilience in complex diplomatic processes, and commitment to advancing peace and cooperation at the international level. Ms. Matsoso was selected for her instrumental role in leading negotiations on the Pandemic Agreement, adopted at the 78th World Health Assembly in May 2025.
About the Recipient
Ms. Matsoso currently serves as Director General of South Africa's National Department of Health. She was nominated for her leadership as Co-Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body, guiding Member States toward consensus on a landmark global health framework focused on preparedness, equitable access to vaccines and diagnostics, and coordinated response capacities during public health emergencies.
Her negotiation leadership contributed decisively to the Pandemic Agreement, a global framework designed to:
- Strengthen preparedness and surveillance systems;
- Ensure equitable access to vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics;
- Enhance coordinated response during future health emergencies;
- Uphold solidarity, transparency, and evidence-informed decision-making.
Her work stands as one of the most significant multilateral health achievements of the post-COVID era.
Acceptance Remarks
During the award ceremony, Ms. Matsoso expressed gratitude to all partners involved in the negotiation process:
We rebuilt trust, acted as bridge builders, and navigated complex constellations to keep the process moving forward. We have shown that when we come together, adversity can become a catalyst for lasting change.
She highlighted the importance of continued engagement:
Dialogue can and will pave the way. Let us continue to be the bridge builders, the trust rebuilders, and the hope keepers that this world needs.
About the Event
The award was presented by Mr. Rabih El-Haddad, and H.E. Maha Al-Awadi, marking the formal recognition of Ms. Matsoso's achievement.
This year's Doha World Negotiation Day explored the role of preventive diplomacy in a rapidly shifting geopolitical environment. High-level speakers exchanged perspectives on strengthening multilateral mechanisms, rebuilding trust between international partners, and designing negotiation ecosystems capable of preventing future crises.
Reflecting on the purpose of Doha World Negotiation Day, Mr. Rabih El-Haddad, Director of the Division for Multilateral Diplomacy at UNITAR, noted:
It is our task at the United Nations to recognise when positive things happen in the world - and to acknowledge negotiators who overcome deadlocks rather than only those who fail.
The discussions reaffirmed that negotiation remains an essential instrument for peacebuilding, prevention, and international cooperation in an increasingly polarised global context.
UNITAR extends its sincere congratulations to Ms. Malebona Precious Matsoso on this distinguished recognition, and thanks Doha Forum and QatarDebate for their collaboration and continued support in advancing dialogue-driven diplomacy.
